MENA year in review: international education stories that shaped 2025

Here are five key stories that captured how the region strengthened its global education footprint, expanded transnational provision and reshaped student mobility.

1. UAE leads MENA surge as international study interest soars

The United Arab Emirates emerged as one of the region’s most prominent education hubs in 2025, experiencing a sharp increase in international study interest. Data highlighted growing demand from students across MENA and beyond, reinforcing the UAE’s position as both a destination for inbound mobility and a strategic base for international providers operating in the region.

2. UAE streamlines accreditation process for HEIs in Dubai

Dubai took steps to simplify and align its higher education accreditation processes, a move aimed at reducing regulatory duplication while maintaining quality assurance. The changes were widely seen as a boost for international universities operating in, or considering entry into, the emirate, strengthening Dubai’s appeal as a transnational hub for education.

3. Strategic planning pays off for the MENA region in QS rankings

Across the region, strong investment in research output, international partnerships, and reputation reinforcements translated into tangible gains in the QS World University Rankings. Several MENA universities from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Lebanon all climbed significantly, with record representation from the region underscoring how coordinated national strategies are beginning to deliver global recognition.

4. University of New Haven announces Saudi Arabia Campus

Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a major hub for transnational education, with the University of New Haven opening a campus in the Kingdom. The move reflected growing international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s education market, as well as the country’s broader ambitions to attract top foreign providers under its Vision 2030.

5. Egypt signs 12 cooperation agreements with the University of Louisville

Elsewhere in the region, Egypt strengthened its international academic ties through a series of cooperation agreements between 12 Egyptian universities and the University of Louisville in the US. The agreements aimed to expand research collaboration, faculty exchange, and student mobility, signalling Egypt’s renewed focus on global engagement.

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